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Billingsley Looks To Turn Things Around Against Astros

Chad Billingsley has struggled against the Astros in his career.
Chad Billingsley has struggled against the Astros in his career.

If the Dodgers are to snap their two-game losing streak tonight, they will likely need a solid start from Chad Billingsley, against a team that has given him trouble through the years.

Billingsley pitched his first major league complete game in Houston in 2007, but even with that win Billingsley has allowed 32 runs in 45 1/3 innings in eight career starts against the Astros. At Dodger Stadium it has been even worse, with three losses in three starts and 15 runs allowed in 11 2/3 innings, though Billingsley hasn't faced the Astros at Dodger Stadium since 2009. Carlos Lee is the only Astro remaining from that game.

He gave up nine runs, including two home runs, on April 22 in Houston, and couldn't get out of the fifth inning. Beginning with that start, Billingsley is 0-3 in his last six starts with a 5.64 ERA.

Billingsley will be opposed on the mound Saturday night by Bud Norris, who is having himself quite a month. Norris has made four starts in May and has four wins, thanks to allowing all of two runs, one earned, in 26 innings, with nine walks and 29 strikeouts. His 0.35 ERA is the best in baseball in May by nearly a run over Zack Greinke, who the Dodgers will face on Thursday.

Notes

  • The Dodgers have won the last five games in which they have scored first, and are a National League-best 24-6 when scoring first this season.
  • The Dodgers have outscored their opponents 34-15 in the first inning this season.
  • The Dodgers are 7-0 this season on Saturdays and have won 12 of their last 13 Saturday games. They have also won seven straight Saturday home games.

Game Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday